A few weeks ago, we discussed about how strange the Irish Premiership was with the absence of traditional powers like the two today’s opponents from the top of the table. Now, the situation has settled, Shamrock Rovers are the league leaders, while Bohemian is on 3rd with one less match played and 6 points of difference.
It’s not just the two of them
The visitors lead the table but it is not yet a definite deal that they will also win the title. If the hosts win this one and the match that they still owe, they will cover the difference and have the same points. It is not likely that they will score 4 goals in difference to offset the 3-0 defeat they suffered at the hands of their opponents at the first leg, so, at best they will be 2nd.
However, should those outcomes become a reality, if Drogheda United win their matches, then it will be a 3-horse race and then the decision factors on who is first, second or third, change. Furthermore, we cannot forget that St. Patrick’s are also just a point away, and it could be quite possible that it will become a 4-horse race.
The draws make the difference
The home side counts 10 wins and 8 losses without any draws. 21 goals in favor, 19 against. The visitors also have 10 victories but they also have 6 draws and only 3 defeats. Also, they have a better offense at 33 goals, and a slightly better defense having conceded 16. At first glance, everything says that the winners will be Shamrock.But…
They haven’t won a match at Dalymount Park since April 2023! In fact, out of the last 9 games there, they have won only 2! There were 2 more draws, but Bohemian have won all the rest! Including the last 3, all by 1 goal of difference (1-0, 2-1, 1-0).
A most interesting confrontation
And it is exactly this dominance that makes this one so exciting! In all likelihood, the two sides will win their in-between matches against Cork and Shelbourne respectively, so, the situation will not change until we get to Round 21 of the championship.
Update
Quite as expected, it is now a battle between the league leaders and the runners up. In the most important match last week, Shamrock Rovers defeated their most immediate adversaries Drogheda United by 2-1 and cleared up the scene. Now, Bohemian are the only side that can pose a threat.
It’s the two less matches that make up the story
At this time, Shamrock Rovers are at 42 points and Bohemian at 33. That’s a gap of 9 points. So, there’s the motive for the home team. If they win this one and the two matches that they owe, then they will cover that difference. As we already discussed, they still may be 2nd on the table because of their 3-0 loss at the first leg. However, they will keep their sword at their opponents’ throat all the way to the end. One slip-up and the lead will change hands.
At this time the odds of @2.80 for the hosts is quite an exhilarating one. The bookmakers seem to think that the champions elect are in a far better condition. One that is enough to negate the home field advantage. Hence, the offer of @2.20. However, we do not agree with that assessment. We believe that the motivation is far stronger for Bohemian and therefore we will suggest that you place a bet after you open an account at the best betting platform on their victory.